Lifestyle Budget kicking goals for locals

Moreton Bay Regional Council’s record $622 million Budget for 2018/19 delivers all the hallmarks of a Moreton Bay Budget - disciplined fiscal settings,
continuing finance for catalytic infrastructure investment, and an operating surplus.

But Mayor Allan Sutherland said this year’s delivery was acutely focussed on the increasing need to protect the local lifestyle in the face of unprecedented
population growth.

“Each year for the past eight years Council has responsibly delivered an operational surplus and proudly we have done it again in 2018/19,” he said.

“Our region is already kicking goals and this Budget has been crafted to cement our reputation as one of the strongest and most financially stable councils
in Queensland, while also delivering major infrastructure for our ratepayers.

“Budget 2018/19 has been structured as a strategic investment in our region’s identity, liveability and strong sense of community.

“Our growth is outpacing the rest of South East Queensland and we’re going to keep our foot firmly on the pedal as our population grows beyond 600,000
people over the next two decades.”

The Mayor said this is an “exciting period of transformation” for the region, and that there is a focus on making Moreton Bay a ’20-minute city’, where
work, live and play options are not far from home.

“That’s why we have committed more than $109 million in major road and transport maintenance in every corner of our region, to ensure it’s always easy
to get the kids to school or simply to get around.

“This commitment is evidence of our resolve to improve our local roads with better surfaces, safety improvements and upgrades to key arterials and intersections
so that living locally is as efficient and stress-free as possible.

“And to ensure local kids can boast for the rest of their lives about where they grew up, we will invest $51.2 million into local parks and playgrounds
and another $38.9 million delivering major upgrades to sport and recreation precincts around our region.”

These include the brand new soccer precinct in Burpengary, a new dedicated active transport link between Caboolture and Wamuran, upgrades to Pine Rivers
PCYC, the rugby union building in Brendale and an expansion of Samford Parklands to accommodate growth in grassroots sports.

Council’s Spokesperson for Corporate Services Matt Constance said the total average rate increase for owner-occupied residential properties would be 2.89
percent - or $0.85 extra per week.

“This financial year Council will return an operating surplus of $106 million in 2018/19 which will be reinvested directly back into our community and
into vital infrastructure,” he said.